Latest Info on Potential Flooding for Weekend

Update: Oct. 2 - 12:03 p.m.

Here is more information about schedule changes for this weekend. As for the forecast for the Roanoke Valley, a flood watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday, and a high wind watch goes into effect tonight through Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

• All Roanoke College campus sporting events are on for this weekend. Pick up a poncho at the Colket Center to wear to the games.
• The Showcase of Experiential Learning, originally planned for today at 6 p.m., has been rescheduled for Friday, Oct. 9. It will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in Fintel Library. 
• Delta Gamma's Lip Sync still is on for tonight.
• Club rugby and ultimate frisbee games are canceled as well as all weekend events planned at the Elizabeth Campus fields.
• Saturday's Musical Extravaganza in the Bast Gym is canceled.
• Alumni field at the College's track is closed.

Stay tuned for more weekend updates.

Update: Oct. 1 - 4:51 p.m.

Family Weekend Canceled

Roanoke College will cancel its Family Weekend activities scheduled for this weekend, Oct. 2-4, due to forecasted flooding resulting from heavy rain conditions in Salem and across the mid-Atlantic states in the next two days. All of the weekend's outdoor activities and large indoor gatherings are canceled. No decisions have been made yet regarding the weekend's sporting events.

The College wants to ensure the safety of all families, particularly those traveling from out of town. 

The Commons will continue to serve meals to students and families who visit campus this weekend. Some events scheduled for this weekend may be rescheduled, and details will follow.

Forecast and Flood Watch

A Flood Watch is in effect from Friday morning, 10/2/15 at 8 a.m. until Saturday at 8 p.m., as reported by Salem Emergency Management. This means that conditions may develop that lead to flooding. If conditions worsen, a Flash Flood Warning may be issued. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has declared a State of Emergency ahead of the possible arrival of Hurricane Joaquin, which is now reported as a Category 3 hurricane. Roanoke College is following the storm and working closely with campus resources and officials in Salem and Virginia Emergency Management. The track of the storm is changing and our situation could change based on the course of this storm.

Parking

If you plan to leave campus for the weekend, make sure your car is located in a lot away from flood prone areas (creeks, etc.). Hawthorne Lot is a good option. If your vehicle is parked in P4, P7 or other lots near a creek you are asked to consider relocating your vehicle depending on its proximity to the creek. It may not be flooded now, but the area may be flooded through the weekend. Some lots will be blocked to avoid having to relocate cars suddenly.

Residence Halls and Offices

Students who live in low lying floors in residence halls may want to take precautions by moving items off the floor. If you notice leaks in ceilings, basements or walls, please notify your RA or Campus Safety as soon as possible. Facilities will be notified. Campus offices prone to flooding may also wish to prepare for the weekend and move materials off the floor.

Safety in a flood

Please be reminded of the following safety precautions. Safety is a shared responsibility, and we ask you to be careful and cautious if the weather does worsen.

• Do not drive your vehicle into areas where water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely. Cars can be lost in just a few inches of water and you don't know for certain if the street underneath is still intact. Be careful when walking and driving. The water may be deeper than it appears. 

• If you parked in any lots near a creek please evaluate the need to relocate your vehicle.

• If you notice leaks in ceilings, basements or walls, please notify your RA or Campus Safety as soon as possible. Facilities will be notified.

Emergency resources

Office of Campus Safety
9 North College Avenue
(540) 375-2310
"0" from a campus telephone

Get weather preparedness information at ReadyVirginia.gov and download the Ready Virginia app for iPhones and Android devices.